affirmative

affirmative — adjective

1. used for a word, answer, vote, or sign that accepts something asked or proposed

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

used for a word, answer, vote, or sign that accepts something asked or proposed instead of rejecting it.

Example

The chair asked for an affirmative vote, and both members raised their hands.

affirmative vote collocation

Hana gave an affirmative nod when the nurse asked about allergies.

affirmative + noun for nonverbal agreement

Common collocations
  • affirmative answer
  • affirmative reply
  • affirmative vote
  • affirmative nod
Synonyms
  • positive

    the closest everyday alternative for answers or replies

  • consenting

    stresses permission or willingness, especially in formal situations

  • supportive

    broader; backs a plan or person, not just a single yes-response

Antonyms
  • negative

    the direct opposite for answers, votes, or replies

  • opposed

    describes being against an idea rather than agreeing with it

Usage Note

Formal and most often placed before nouns such as 'answer', 'reply', 'vote', and 'nod'. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'yes', 'sure', or 'I agree' instead of using 'affirmative'.

Common Mistakes

She answered affirmative to the invitation.
She gave an affirmative reply to the invitation.
as an adjective, 'affirmative' usually describes a noun such as 'reply' or 'answer'.

2. saying that something is true or real, or referring to the grammar form that doe

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

saying that something is true or real, or referring to the grammar form that does not use negative words.

Example

When the judge asked about the meeting, the witness gave an affirmative answer.

affirmative answer to a factual question

In grammar class, Ms. Chen wrote the affirmative form beside the negative one.

grammar: affirmative form vs negative form

Common collocations
  • affirmative form
  • affirmative sentence
  • affirmative result
  • affirmative answer
Synonyms
  • positive

    very close in test results and grammar labels, though more common overall

  • factual

    focuses on stating facts, not on grammar form

  • non-negative

    technical wording used mainly when describing grammar patterns

Antonyms
  • negative

    the opposite in both grammar labels and yes-or-no findings

  • doubtful

    suggests uncertainty instead of confirming that something is true

Usage Note

Common in formal reports, legal questions, and grammar teaching. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 accepts or agrees with a request, while this sense states that a fact holds true or names the non-negative sentence form.

Common Mistakes

Add not to make the sentence affirmative.
Remove not to make the sentence affirmative.
an affirmative sentence uses the non-negative form.

affirmative — noun

Word family

  • affirm
    verbB2
  • affirmation
    nounC1
  • affirmatively
    adverbC2
  • reaffirm
    verbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Affirmative' is formal and usually describes a reply, vote, or gesture that says yes. 'Positive' is the closest everyday substitute, especially for answers, though it also has many wider meanings. 'Agreeing' is less formal and usually describes a person's attitude or reply, not a fixed label for votes or signals. 'Consenting' is narrower: it stresses permission or willingness, especially in legal or personal situations. 'Supportive' often means backing an idea, plan, or person over time, not simply giving one yes-answer. So you can speak of an affirmative vote, a positive reply, an agreeing nod, consenting adults, or supportive comments. If you want a neat, official-sounding word for 'yes', choose 'affirmative'.

affirmative ↗positive ↗agreeingconsentingsupportive ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

English borrowed 'affirmative' from French and Latin forms built on the verb 'affirm', meaning 'state firmly' or 'declare true'. The deeper Latin root is 'firmus', meaning 'firm' or 'steady'. That history helps explain why the word still sounds official: an affirmative reply is one that firmly says yes or confirms that something is true.